What most bad contractors forget is that they are in a service business, and if the word gets out about the level and quality of service, they don’t have a good chance of surviving. There’s just too much competition.

Thank You for the post, very good read.

There are several good ways to find quality contractors, or any profession. Word of mouth is always a good start. Talk to you friends, neighbors, co-workers and see if they know someone that can fill your need. Also, the internet is a good source of many local directories.

And finally, share what you have found. You know a good contractor? Tell the world! Post to their web site, write a review, or post a testimonial. Being appreciative of good businesses can go a long way.

Thank you for your insightful and clearheaded explanation of the role and responsibilities of professional contractors.

My name is Scott Day. I am president of the United Contractors Association in Sacramento Ca. Our main focus is to find ways to encourage publishers to verify the validity any license number used to advertise for construction. Thereby adding an additional layer of security when inviting potential contractors into their homes.

We intend to influence legislation that would remove the loophole in the California B&P Code that allows anyone to advertise for any and all home improvement projects by simply saying ‘Unlicensed’ in the ad.

This bad law is B&P Code 7027.2
The link below will explain why 7027.2 must go.
http://www.gouca.org/support.html

If I still have your attention, you can learn more about what we are trying to do by visiting the UCA site
http://www.gouca.org

I have also produced a video that further explains our position.
http://www.gouca.org/uncon/ucv.html

As a realtor, you are aware of how things could turn around in the fixer-upper-market within the next few years.
You folks will play a huge roll in who gets the calls for repairs. We need your help to inform realtors across the country that making responsible choices in vendor selection will help to establish strong and lasting relationships.

Thank you,
Scott Day
President of the United Contractors Association
916. 749-5222

This very day there was a story on the news about a multi here in New Hampshire being destroyed due to fire. If that had been my building, I would have been very upset. Now imagine if the insurance company had said “we won’t pay” because the fire was caused by bad electrical work I had done. I would have been wiped out.

Thanks for your fair and thoughtful post on working with contractors.

I read so many times in BP about “investors” wanting to learn how to do electrical wiring and all the other skill sets you mentioned. They think they are saving money when they might be voiding their insurance coverage or worse, setting their house up to hurt someone.

Keeping great subs in a mood to work with you is a valuable asset. We just had a roof blow off a house on a Friday. Insurance guy was out Friday as well as the roofer to take a look and price it. Our roofer was there the following Monday to replace it. Check was in the mail same day.

Thats a low stress way of dealing with what could have been a real emergency.

Thanks again
Diane Menke
Myers Constructs Inc
Tailwindproperty.com